Health Tip: Getting Up After a Fall

How to do it safely

Related Encyclopedia • Alzheimer's Disease • Animal Bites • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair • Arthritis More... Related Healthscout Videos Importance of Good Nutrition Controlling Incontinence Preventing Heart Disease the Easy Way Lifestyle Changes for Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment More... Related Animations • Alzheimer's Disease Video Animation • Erectile Dysfunction • What is a Heart Attack? More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Coumadin • Detrol LA • Ditropan XL More... Related News Articles • Recycling to Treat Cancer • Health Tip: Protect Your Hearing • Pregnancy Boosts Heart Attack Risk • Kids' Obesity May Lead to Epidemic of Adult Diabetes More...

(HealthDay News) - If you fall, you can injure yourself even more just by trying to get back on your feet.

Text Continues Below

---

Here are suggestions on how seniors can pull themselves back up safely after a fall, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Take a few deep breaths and don't panic. If you feel like you are hurt, call for help if there's someone close by. In any case, don't try to get up until you feel better.
• If you feel like you are not hurt, try rolling onto your side, turning your head in the direction you are rolling.
• Crawl over to a chair, couch or other sturdy piece of furniture, and slowly pull yourself up.
• Put your hands down flat on the furniture. Bend your stronger knee and keep the other knee on the floor, and slowly stand up.
• Slowly twist yourself around and sit down on the chair or couch. Call a family member or emergency services if you need help.

-- Diana Kohnle